Red Cross Says There's an Urgent Need for Blood Donors
Wednesday, July 30th, 2014 -- 6:52 AM
-The American Red Cross is facing a looming blood shortage, leading to an urgent need for donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and give.Donations through the Red Cross are down approximately 8 percent over the last 11 weeks, resulting in about 80,000 fewer donations than expected. The number of donors continues to decline, and the shortfall is significant enough that the Red Cross could experience an emergency situation in the coming weeks.
Eligible donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed at this time. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients. There is also an urgent need for platelet donations.
There are a couple local blood drives happening next week including here in Neillsville at the American Legion on Monday, August 4th from 11:30am to 5:30pm. There will be another in Thorp at the Fire Hall on Tuesday, August 5th from Noon to 6pm.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.